Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 21, 2026

Quantification of Global Diastolic Function by Kinematic Modeling-based Analysis of Transmitral Flow via the Parametrized Diastolic Filling Formalism
11:04

Quantification of Global Diastolic Function by Kinematic Modeling-based Analysis of Transmitral Flow via the Parametrized Diastolic Filling Formalism

Published on: September 1, 2014

Overestimation of diastolic blood pressure in the elderly. Magnitude of the problem and a potential solution

K M Hla, K A Vokaty, J R Feussner

    Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
    |October 1, 1985
    PubMed

    Insights

    Indirect blood pressure measurement may overestimate readings in elderly patients. An automatic blood pressure recorder provided a more accurate, noninvasive measure of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) compared to traditional methods.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Geriatrics
    • Biomedical Engineering

    Background:

    • Indirect sphygmomanometry is standard for hypertension but can overestimate blood pressure in the elderly.
    • Overestimation may lead to unnecessary or excessive hypertension treatment in older adults.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To assess the degree of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) overestimation by indirect methods in elderly hypertensive men.
    • To evaluate an automatic blood pressure recorder as a more accurate noninvasive alternative.

    Main Methods:

    • Compared direct intraarterial DBP with indirect measurements from a mercury sphygmomanometer and an automatic recorder.
    • Study included 36 elderly men (≥60 years) with hypertension.

    Main Results:

    • The mercury sphygmomanometer overestimated elevated DBP frequency nearly threefold compared to intraarterial measurements (39% vs. 14%).
    • The automatic recorder showed closer agreement with intraarterial DBP, with fewer patients exceeding 90 mmHg (19% vs. 14%).
    • Significant differences in overestimation were noted between the mercury sphygmomanometer and automatic recorder versus intraarterial DBP (P < 0.05).

    Conclusions:

    • Traditional indirect sphygmomanometry frequently overestimates DBP in elderly hypertensive patients.
    • Automatic blood pressure recorders offer a more accurate and reliable noninvasive method for DBP measurement in this population.

    More Related Videos

    Murine Echocardiography of Left Atrium, Aorta, and Pulmonary Artery08:17

    Murine Echocardiography of Left Atrium, Aorta, and Pulmonary Artery

    Published on: February 20, 2017

    Pulsed Wave Doppler Assessment of Diastolic Dysfunction in the ZSF-1 Rat Model of Pulmonary Hypertension Due to Left Heart Disease08:57

    Pulsed Wave Doppler Assessment of Diastolic Dysfunction in the ZSF-1 Rat Model of Pulmonary Hypertension Due to Left Heart Disease

    Published on: May 22, 2026

    Related Concept Videos

    Errors occurring during blood pressure monitoring01:25

    Errors occurring during blood pressure monitoring

    Blood pressure monitoring is a crucial clinical procedure in diagnosing and managing various cardiovascular conditions. Despite its significance, the accuracy of blood pressure measurements can be compromised by multiple factors, potentially leading to either falsely high or low readings. These inaccuracies are critical as they can significantly impact patient care. So, it is vital to understand these challenges deeply and adopt strategic approaches to minimize errors.
    Several factors...
    Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)01:23

    Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)

    Measuring blood pressure is a fundamental skill in healthcare that aids in diagnosing and monitoring hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions. An aneroid sphygmomanometer, commonly used in clinical settings, offers a manual and precise method for blood pressure measurement. The technique for using this instrument involves specific steps that must be carefully executed to ensure accuracy. The following detailed description outlines a two-step technique for assessing blood pressure using...
    Special considerations while measuring blood pressure01:28

    Special considerations while measuring blood pressure

    When assessing blood pressure (BP), healthcare professionals must consider various factors and potential unexpected outcomes to ensure accurate readings and provide proper patient care. Adhering to these guidelines is essential to achieving the most reliable results.
    Monitoring Both Arms:
    Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
    Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

    Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

    Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
    Measurement of Blood Pressure01:17

    Measurement of Blood Pressure

    Assessing blood pressure is a standard procedure executed in virtually all medical environments. The method utilized today was established over a hundred years ago by an innovative Russian doctor, Dr. Nikolai Korotkoff. The soft ticking noise, known as Korotkoff sounds, heard while taking blood pressure readings results from turbulent blood flow within the vessels. The apparatus required for this procedure includes a sphygmomanometer, a blood pressure cuff attached to a gauge, and a stethoscope.
    Hypertension I: Introduction01:28

    Hypertension I: Introduction

    Hypertension is a widespread, long-term medical condition where blood pressure in the arteries remains elevated. It is characterized by systolic blood pressure readings of 130 mm Hg or above or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) readings of 80 mm Hg or higher. Unmanaged hypertension poses significant health risks, making the distinction between primary (or essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension crucial, as their management and implications vary.Primary HypertensionPrimary hypertension,...